This months showcase driver for the Crate Late Model Class is Eric Varner

No one can help miss the Crate Late Model car of Eric Varner on the track. The colorful car stands out on the track as it excels around the track, shining for all fans to take in. Not only is the package on the outside colorful, but it seems this driver is colorful as well, and has a good heart. One fans can be proud to call their favorite Crate Late Model driver...

Thanks Eric for sharing your info with Dirt Scoops!

Quick Facts:

Name: Eric Varner

Car Class: Crate Late Model

From? New Palestine, IN


Eric in action on the track!
-Photo by K&S Racing Images

The Interview

Dirt Scoops: Tell us how you got interested in racing:

Eric: "My dad has always been an avid race fan. He started me and my sister in quarter midgets. At the time, I was five
and my sister was seven. That is how we started with the number 57. I raced in all the of QM classes and raced in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia and Florida. I won many races in my QM career including the "Dirt Grands" in 1985."

"At the age of 12, I began racing mini-sprints. I raced the 125cc class for two years, the 250cc class for two years, them moved to the 600 open class. I ran the 600 in Indiana and Illinois and had numerous wins."

"In 1999, I took a hiatus from racing until 2006. During 2006, I was back in a mini-sprint and raced throughout Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. I was able to capture a number of wins."

"In 2007, I focused on my ultimate goal, and that was to pilot a Late Model Stock Car. After purchasing the car, building a new shop and putting a sponsorship package together, it became a reality in 2008."

 

Dirt Scoops: Tell us about your family:

Eric: "My spouse and best friend, Ginny, and I have been married since April of 2007. My dad, Mark and step-mom Janet are my primary sponsors and team members."

"My grandparents, Robert and Nita Varner have helped with my racing career since the early days. As a retired machinist, my grandfather is a real help to the team."

"My sister, Stacey, is married and lives in Jacksonville, FL. I have one neice and a nephew. Stacey was one fine driver in her day."

"My mother, Jeanne and husband, Ron, reside in Illinois."


Eric as a young gun, starting early winning trophies

Dirt Scoops: List your career high lights:

Eric: "I won the "Dirt Grands" as a novice driver in 1985. I was able to win a number of major QM races in all classes throughout that phase of my racing career."

"At the age of seven, I was offered a ride in a modified stock car to race against the legendary Bobbie Allison at a dirt track in Marshall, IA. My dad turned the offer down - he said I was too young!"

"I have, to date, had numerous top five finishes, a heat race win and a trophy dash win in the Crate Late Model. I am currently leading the Indiana Crate Series points race."


Chillin' in the pits

Dirt Scoops: Which one of your races stands out the most in your mind and why:

Eric: "When I was eight, I was running the "A" class in quarter midgets. The "A" class is an alcohol burning motor, which can turn nearly 10,000 rpms. It is the top of the QM classes."

"We were running an indoor dirt race in Springfield, IL. I had qualified well and won the heat. The 25 lap feature was intense with a lot of beating and banging. I was the youngest of the field along with many who are now well known
USAC, NASCAR and IRL drivers. I pulled off the win. I must say, it was the toughest 25 lap feature I have ever ran. That memory will be with me forever."

Dirt Scoops: We all know it takes more than one person to be successful in racing, who do
you feel contributes to your career sucess?

Eric: "The people who have contribuited to my success is my family and all of those that provided a helping hand along the way."

" Most of all, I guess, would be my Dad. He has been with me every step of the way. Without his knowledge and support I wouldn't be at this level today."

"My grandparents were there for every race during my younger years. Still today, after every night of racing, they are the first we call to share the results. Regardless of how old I am, they are always with me."

"And of course, my best friend and wife, Ginny. She is always there for me. Whether I finish well or poorly, she is there. She still tells me I am the best. Needless to say, I am blessed with a great family."

Dirt Scoops: What tracks do you race at?

Eric: "Twin Cities in North Vernon, IN, Brownstown Speedway, Union County Speedway and Clay County Speedway in Flora, IL."

List your sponsors:

Regulatory Training and Compliance Associates (RTCA),
DeVine Doggies,
ServPro of West Fort Wayne, IN.

Dirt Scoops: Any special events or news for the upcoming season you would like to share with your fans?

Eric: "I thank you all for your support. It is a true inspiration for any driver to have you applaud and show us your appreciation.I am striving to show I can race with the best in a clean and safe manner. The respect I can earn from my fellow drivers means a lot to me."

Dirt Scoops: Do you have a website so fans can keep up on your progress?

http://www.ericvarner57.com

Dirt Scoops: Closing thoughts?

Eric: "I want to earn the respect of my fellow drivers, based on their trust in me and my driving ability. In return, I want to respect them as well."

"Every driver, young and old, must have a tremendous and unique talent to participate in this sport. Together, with our fans, we can make it grow. Remember, grass roots racing is always the best."

 

Some thoughts from Dirt Scoops: As I did this interview, I thought highly of Eric, and his answers and his motives. I wish Eric all the best in racing, it seems his roots are a great foundation! Thanks again Eric for the interview!

~Dirt Scoops

 

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